BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — For a time, Ray Holmberg was considered one of the most hard-working and respected senators from North Dakota, and many looked to him as a cornerstone of the state's legislature. However, recent events have shed light on a different side of the former senator, and he has since pled guilty to crimes involving child sexual abuse. Below is a complete timeline of the events leading up to Holmberg's current situation. For more details on any individual occurrence, click on the date to be taken to its respective article. August 23/24, 2021: A phone number used by Holmberg was among those that 34-year-old Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier (an individual suspected of child pornography and sex abuse crimes) texted when incarcerated at Grand Forks County Jail. March 7, 2022: Holmberg issues a statement announcing his retirement from the ND Legislature. March 8, 2022: National and state lawmakers praise Holmberg upon learning of his retirement. April 17, 2022: Democratic-NPL Chair Patrick Hart calls on Holmberg to step down from his position and release the text messages between him and Morgan-Derosier. April 20, 2022: Holmberg steps down as the ND Chair of Legislative Management. April 25, 2022: Holmberg announces his early resignation from the Senate, which would take effect on June 1st. May 6, 2022: A police report reveals that a search of Holmberg's home in November of 2021 revealed video discs and other items. May 13, 2022: Travel records reviewed by the Associated Press show that Holmberg made nearly 70 taxpayer-funded trips out-of-state over the past decade. October 30, 2023: Holmberg is indicted and charged with traveling for sex with a minor, as well as receiving child sex abuse images. November 5, 2023: A state panel unanimously votes to suspend Holmberg's teaching license. November 15, 2023: Holmberg's trial is rescheduled to April 2024 after Holmberg's attorney asks for more time to review documents and prepare a defense. June 25, 2024: Holmberg signs an agreement to plead guilty to travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. In exchange, prosecutors recommend the low end of the sentencing guideline range, and move to dismiss the charge of receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material. August 8, 2024: Holmberg pleads guilty in federal court to a charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit Sexual activity. The charge carries maximum penalties of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release. He was also accused of violating the conditions of his release, including the use of alcohol and accessing the internet on unapproved devices. August 13, 2024: The Grand Forks Herald and the Fargo Chamber rescind two awards they had previously given to Holmberg. October 14, 2024: Court documents have accused Holmberg of violating the terms of his release in multiple ways — including using social media and visiting a home in Fargo without prior approval. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW